The LG Optimus Vu was a strange device. With a 5-inch display, it wasn’t considered too big in the traditional sense. But that display had a very strange aspect ratio: 4:3, 1024 x 768. The phone was extremely wide and uncomfortable to hold or carry. But, that extra width made reading much easier. The device also came with an unattached stylus, making portability impractical.

We can’t imagine that the device was very successful, but LG ended did make a sequel and released it in Korea. When the LG G2 was announced, a new LG Vu was hinted at, sans the Optimus branding LG has dropped. Today, a few details about the new device have been leaked.

It is said that the successor to the square phone will have a 5.2-inch display with a 1280x 960 resolution, making it even larger and probably much harder to hold. And though the resolution got a bump, it’s still not quite “high-end” 1080p. The camera is said to be 13MP. The device should launch with Android 4.2.2. Rumor has it that the device will launch before the end of September in South Korea, so it’s only a matter of weeks. LG seems to have kept the specs on this one a secret, unlike the company did with the G2.

I doubt that the Vu would be popular in the US, if it’s ever released here. But I may be wrong, and people may warm up to such a device. The Dell Streak was ahead of its time, and this phone may be on the same path. Would you buy and use a new LG Vu? Leave a comment!

Dima Aryeh is a Russian obsessed with all things tech. He does photography, is an avid phone modder (who uses an AT&T Galaxy Note II), a heavy gamer (both PC and 360), and an aspiring home mechanic. He is also an avid fan of music, especially power metal.

Most Tweeted This Week

Actually the original Vu was acceptable to my standard. I found many people are comfortable with holding a 7-inch tablet (which is obviously wider) in one hand so this should not really be a problem. I believe the only reason most people don’t want this is that they are so used to the slimmer 16:9 display format used in most smartphones of similar size.

The only problem I had when I used the original device was the software. It was always freezing, restarting, applications would force close. The size does not bother me, I would actually like something bigger. If LG can fix the software, and add better hardware; I would not mind using the new VU.

I really liked the first VU. I would get another one. It’s great for internet and reading and it wasn’t really that big. I’m wondering what it will be like to hold the 5.2. They should make the resolution 1080.

Actually the original Vu was acceptable to my standard. I found many people are comfortable with holding a 7-inch tablet (which is obviously wider) in one hand so this should not really be a problem. I believe the only reason most people don’t want this is that they are so used to the slimmer 16:9 display format used in most smartphones of similar size.

The only problem I had when I used the original device was the software. It was always freezing, restarting, applications would force close. The size does not bother me, I would actually like something bigger. If LG can fix the software, and add better hardware; I would not mind using the new VU.

I really liked the first VU. I would get another one. It’s great for internet and reading and it wasn’t really that big. I’m wondering what it will be like to hold the 5.2. They should make the resolution 1080.